AYURVEDA – THE HOLISTIC HEALTH
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010The word holistic is derived from the word whole; Holistic medicine projects the picture of holistic universe. Ayurveda is field-oriented functional holistic system.
Acharya Sushruta has an ideal definition of health that is; one is known to be healthy when dosha, agni, dhatu and mala are in a state of equilibrium structure and function. Along with a happy mind they function in the presence of the Atma with the help of indriya.
There has been a growing appreciation of the holistic approach of Ayurveda towards the maintenance of health in healthy individuals and relieving the diseases of the suffering humanity. “Health”’ is defined and appreciated in three important in three important dimensions i.e. physical, mental, and social. During the last decade a fourth dimension, spiritual, has been added to the concept of total health. This has been described in the age-old Ayurvedic texts. Thus “positive health care through Ayurveda and the holistic approach” in positive health care are one and the same. This multidimensional approach to health care has led to the new concept of “holistic Medicine”. The first few shaloka of Ayurvedic texts are concerned with the promotion and preservation of your health. Health care through Ayurveda has arrive and it’s time has come. It is the best and most affordable mode of treatment for whole body health for all of humanity, whether in developing or already developed countries.
Each of us aspires to live a long, healthy, wealthy, beautiful and honorable life. Among all of people, health is the most fundamental goal we have, whether applied to our physical, mental, economic or spiritual goals. It makes it possible for us to achieve everything else in life. The practitioners of this science of medicine have given us many of their experiences and observations to help us along.
Every system of medicine encourages people to live right and think right. Ayurveda gives equal importance to all the four dimensions of health by prescribing daily rituals, seasonal rituals and practices of healthy life styles. Ayurveda believes that the physical, chemical and biochemical laws cannot be basically different, as they have a common origin. The recognition of consciousness or spirit is a central factor in the etiology of an illness and is the fundamental distinction between the healing traditions of east and the conventional western health care.
It provides health care with the following four ideologies:
• Promotion and Preservation of health in a healthy state.
• Therapeutic care for cure of diseases when they occur.
• Restoration of proper physiological functioning of an organ or the system caused by illness.
• Rejuvenation of the body, psyche and soul.
Ayurveda is not only the science of medicine but also a perfect science of life and longevity. The pillars of prevention, like good conduct, good thoughts, excellent social relationship, good nutrition, wholesome diet and moderate exercise are all put together to provide the holistic approach and lead to a complete cure of all diseases in a better and natural way. A vegetarian diet, regular exercise and mental relaxation alone can prevent the harmful changes in the human body. These methods can be practiced easily to develop a better healthy life style.
Ayurvedic concepts are dedicated to the view that health is a state of positive attitude and not merely a disease-free society or, as a matter of fact, a disease-free universe.
Hence, by following the Ayurvedic way of life, we follow nature and when we do that, nature always gives health, happiness and harmony to the body, psyche and soul.
Nature is so caring of individuals that it does not let one ruin oneself. Disease is nature’s way of forcing one to slow down, to follow the disciplined routine of life and also to pause and rest. Nature always warns one of the mistakes one may be making and it turns to drastic measures only when one does not respond positively to the gentle warnings. Nature always teaches us the moderation of enjoyment; it gives us the lessons of freedom and of responsibility at the same time.
Nature gives us health and health is the most excellent source of securing religious merits, material prosperity, fulfilling personal desires and finally liberation.
If we know what the signs of health and obey the tenets of Ayurvedic thought and at the same time work for it, we shall pave the way for all mankind to maintain their health in times to come as we move through life.